Blackpool step up manager hunt

7 May 2014

Blackpool could have a new manager within 10 days, according to chairman Karl Oyston.

The Seasiders have been without a permanent boss since January when Paul Ince was axed following an alarming slide in form, which did not abate when midfielder Barry Ferguson assumed temporary control until the end of the season.

Blackpool won just three times since November, when they were in the play-off places, and avoided relegation by a mere two points as Ferguson struggled to get the best out of an injury-hit squad whose commitment was openly questioned in a letter penned by the club's supporters.

Those same fans are angry that Oyston has chosen to, as they put it, use the club as a "cash cow" and the chairman is under intense pressure to transform the club this summer, starting with the managerial vacancy.

It means Oyston is keen to make a swift appointment, as he explained to the Blackpool Gazette: "It's sooner rather than later for us now. It's something we need to have resolved in the next week to 10 days but that depends on the status of potential targets."

Ferguson has spoken of his desire to become a manager now, although his chances of securing the job at Bloomfield Road appear to have dwindled in recent months and he himself admitted he was very much in the dark over his future.

Oyston added: "I've still not spoken to Barry; I've not had the opportunity. I need to speak to him to see where he stands.

"He seems to have made it clear in interviews he's off to have an operation and maybe sees a future playing. But that needs to be resolved and we need to do it quickly."